New website for veterans, military families

Monday

Nov 10, 2008 at 2:00 AM

As part of her office’s commitment to ensure that veterans receive the benefits and protections they deserve, Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Office has unveiled a new section on its website dedicated to veterans and military families. Later this week, the office will also release a comprehensive guide about resources available to veterans, military service members and their families. Click here to view the new section.

“The residents of Massachusetts owe a debt of gratitude to all of those who have sacrificed by serving our country. Our office remains committed to ensuring that veterans and their families receive the services and benefits they have earned,” said Attorney General Coakley. “We hope that this material will assist veterans and their families in easily informing themselves about their benefits and rights and the help that is available if they find themselves in need.”

The web content and guide gathers information in a user-friendly format to inform veterans and their families about the rights, benefits and protections available to them. The guide covers state and federal laws designed to protect veterans from discrimination in areas such as employment and medical care and to help veterans avoid foreclosure and credit problems during their military service. It also offers tips on how veterans can maximize housing, healthcare, disability, employment and education benefits. The guide also includes information on other benefits that may be available to veterans, such as bonuses, disability compensation, tax exemptions, state and federal education benefits and scholarships and assistance for indigent veterans and their families for food, shelter, clothing, fuel and medical care. Veterans can also learn how to apply for a Veteran’s License Plate and check their eligibility to save money when they visit a Massachusetts State Park.

A special section for family members outlines how to access dependant and survivor benefits and gives detailed information for places family members can stay if a veteran is wounded and receiving medical treatment, as well as resources for counseling and financial assistance. There are also special sections devoted to Women Veterans and National Guard and Reservists.

The Attorney General’s Office enforces certain federal and state laws protecting the rights of veterans and service members. In January, the Attorney General’s Office, together with Governor Patrick’s Office and the Department of Veterans Services (DVS), sent letters to Massachusetts municipalities reminding them of their obligation to employ a Veteran’s Service Officer. Municipalities that were not in compliance were asked to work with DVS to hire an officer. Veterans with have questions or concerns about their rights should contact the Attorney General’s Office at (617) 727-2200.

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